Vito F. Puiia

AUBURN -– Vito F. Puiia, 96, of Franklin Street, Rumford, died on May 13, 2011 at the Hospice House, Auburn.

He was born in Rumford on September 24, 1914, the son of Joseph and Giovanna (Vallone) Puiia. He graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford Class of 1932.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy.

Vito owned and operated Puiia’s Shoe Repair Shop on Waldo Street in Rumford for many years until retirement.

He was a Communicant of St. Athanasius–St. John Church, a 50-year member of the American Legion and a 50 year and 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Vito helped organize Little League basketball and baseball in the area. He was a member of the semi pro basketball team “Rumford Redskins” prior to WW II.

He was married in Rumford in 1946 to the former Lena Gagnon, who died in Rumford on April 18, 1996.

Survivors include his daughter, Gayle Puiia McDevitt of Orrington; grandchildren, Stephen Merrow of Boston, MA, and Aric Merrow and wife, Nicole of Orrington; three

great-grandchildren, Brooke, Allie and Christopher Merrow of Orrington; and a brother, Anthony Puiia of Mexico.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Athanasius–St. John Church, Maine Avenue, Rumford. Interment with Military Honors will be at St. John Cemetery, Rumford. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210 in his memory.

Vito F. Puiia Photo:

Vito F. Puiia